Scotiabank Bahamas has donated $30,000 to the Rand Memorial Hospital located in Freeport, Grand Bahama.
The donation will fund the purchase of medical equipment for the Lula Knowles Paediatrics Ward and enhance the ability of the hospital to provide treatment after it was severely damaged by Hurricane Dorian in 2019.
Roger Archer, Managing Director, Scotiabank Bahamas detailed the contribution saying it will cover the cost of a new ventilator, oxygen monitoring system and two paediatric wheelchairs for the 85-bed facility.
“As a member of the Freeport community, we are very happy to provide support to healthcare sector at this critical time,” Archer said.
“We also commend the team at both the Hospital and throughout the Public Hospitals Authority for their tireless efforts in providing continued care and medical assistance despite the many challenges,” he added. The coronavirus is still a serious threat to public health, Archer said, and Scotiabank is keenly aware of the crucial role that the hospital plays in the fight against the global pandemic.
Over the past nine months, Scotiabank has donated over $60,000 toward various charities including a food bank and a home for the elderly to assist with relief efforts across the Bahamas.
Sharon Williams, Administrator, Grand Bahama Health Services, Public Hospitals Authority, upon accepting the donation stated the equipment being purchased with the funds donated will improve their capacity to provide essential health care to our children.
"Much progress is being made in the restoration of our facility by our Government's commitment and partnerships with organizations such as yours which have determined the importance of rebuilding health care facilities on Grand Bahama and committed resources to assist," Williams said.
Hurricane Dorian was one of the strongest Atlantic hurricanes on record, and the strongest hurricane to have ever hit The Bahamas. Dorian hit The Bahamas on September 1, 2019 as a Category 5 hurricane, causing flooding and mass destruction on the northwest islands of Abaco and Grand Bahama.
